Wetlands 



Communities of waterfowl and other water birds have already been discussed; 

 these were of relatively low density and diversity in 1977 due to abnormally dry 

 spring weather conditions. Characteristic species include: 



Yearlong Residents : beaver*, muskrat*, mink. 



Summer Residents : double-crested cormorant, great blue heron, Canada goose, 

 mallard, gadwall, pintail, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, American wigeon, 

 northern shoveler, redhead, canvasback, lesser scaup, ruddy duck, osprey, sora, 

 American coot, kil 1 deer, spotted sandpiper, American avocet, and Wilson's phalarope. 



Bluebunch Wheatgrass, Yucca, and Horizontal Juniper 



These habitat categories, while quite distinct, often occurred together and 

 were of wery limited occurrence. Sampling was insufficient to reveal a character- 

 istic community differing from adjacent grassland or badlands habitats, with which 

 these were closely associated. 



Cultivated (Including Alfalfa, Wild Hayland ) 



Cultivated fields and fallow were extensive habitats in the reconnaissance 

 level study area, but supported few resident wildlife species. Wildlife use was 

 dependent to a large extent on the stage of development of cropland; fallow was 

 vastly different from mature grain, for example. Characteristic species were: 



Yearlong Residents : horned lark. 



Winter Residents : snow bunting, lapland longspur, common redpoll. 



Farmsteads and Towns 



Farm buildings and other structures provided a unique habitat which was 

 occupied by a distinct wildlife community. Buildings provided nest sites for 

 certain birds, and waste grain and/or garbage provided a food source. Character- 

 istic species include: 



Yearlong Residents : rock dove, starling*, house sparrow*. 



Summer Residents : barn swallow*. Say's phoebe. 



Badlands and Scoria 



The badlands complex actually provided a mosaic of many habitat types, but 

 the steep-walled clay coulees and mudstone "gumbos" were unique. Bird diversity 

 and abundances were very low in these habitats. Characteristic species include: 



Yearlong Residents : mule deer, desert cottontail, golden eagle. 



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